Crutchlow's rookie team-mate Bradley Smith delivered an impressive performance to claim seventh in the session and ninth on combined practice times. Alvaro Bautista secured the final automatic entry into this afternoon's Q2 session, despite missing the latter part of FP3 after a hefty highside from his Gresini Honda.

Lorenzo's team-mate Valentino Rossi, a close third on Friday, was only ninth quickest this morning (+1.214s). Pedrosa, Rossi and LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl were among those not to improve in FP3.

All others will fight for the final two Q2 places available during the first qualifying session.

Rain was predicted for Saturday morning but conditions were again dry and bright - although also cold and damp in places, prompting caution in the form of the softer option front tyre (as well as rear) for the early laps.

The leading riders soon made the transition to the harder front, with Lorenzo quickly on the pace and setting his best lap of the weekend after eleven minutes. That kept the #99 fastest until Marquez's late charge.

Rain continues to be forecast for this afternoon, but will it arrive before or after qualifying?

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mind= blown. un.frickin.believable. Youd think the other two will catch up to him in qualifying but that is simply devine by Marquez.
And who loved the WIGLLING OF THE FINGER...hahahha classic!! gotta love the kid